Predators Official Podcast

Darren McFarland and Kara Hammer catch up with Nashville Predators Head Coach John Hynes as the team heads into the All-Star break. He talks about beating Los Angeles, Winnipeg and New Jersey before the break and weighs in on an important team meeting after the loss in St. Louis. Hynes also discusses Alexandre Carrier defending one of his teammates and how it will now cost him some time. He even shares his thoughts on goaltender Yaroslav Askarov making his first NHL start.Darren and Kara also catch up with Predators Beat Reporter Emma Lingan before she heads down to Sunrise, Florida to cover the NHL All-Star Game.

Darren McFarland and Kara Hammer catch up with Nashville Predators In-Game Host Wayne D. He talks about how he ended up in Smashville getting Preds fans fired up at Bridgestone Arena. Wayne D shares some in game memories that will certainly have you laughing. He also talks about his time in Vegas as the first ever In-Game Host of the Golden Knights.Darren and Kara also discuss the current state of the Preds, the return of Michael McCarron to the team after completing the NHL Player Assistance Program and the NHL debut of goaltender Yaroslav Askarov.

Darren McFarland and Kara Hammer catch up with Nashville Predators President and CEO Sean Henry. He talks about that Friday morning November 25, 2022 when he learned Bridgestone Arena was flooding due to a water main break. Sean discusses having to cancel two regular season home games and moving other events around to different locations.Sean talks about the P.K. Subban trade in 2016 that brought him to Nashville. He also talks about a new area in the Arena that will have fans wanting to check out when it's done.Darren and Kara also catch up with Emma Lingan in Montreal before the game against the Canadiens on P.K. Subban night.

In the first episode of 2023, Darren McFarland and Kara Hammer get reaction from former Predators goaltender and now team television color commentator Chris Mason. He discusses Juuse Saros' franchise record 64 saves in a single game in Carolina.  Saros is just the second goaltender in NHL history to make at least 64 saves in a win.Darren and Kara also discuss the Predators division and the Western Conference as a whole with E.J. Hradek of NHL Network, as teams approach the midway point of the regular season.And finally, they check in with Emma Lingan in Washington as the Predators face another big road test against the Capitals and former Nashville head coach Peter Laviolette.

In the final POP episode of 2022, Darren McFarland and Kara Hammer sit down Radio Play-by-Play Host Pete Weber. Among the many stories Pete has from his 23+ years with the Predators, he shares some current personal news that you will want to hear.Darren and Kara also catch up with Emma Lingan from Anaheim ahead of the Preds match-up with the Ducks. Emma shares a conversation she had with Preds defenseman Alex Carrier as he gets settled back in after his return from a stint on IR. 

Darren McFarland and Kara Hammer have a great time talking with former Predators' head coach Barry Trotz. Barry spent 15 seasons behind the bench in Smashville. He talks about that first year in franchise history. How the 'Dads Trip' came about. What it meant to the Predators organization and the Nashville market when Paul Kariya chose them in free agency. Coach also discusses his time in Washington and winning it all with the Capitals. He talks about what it was like coaching Alex Ovechkin who just scored his 800th career goal and weighs in on where he thinks Alex will end up all time in that department.

Darren McFarland and Kara Hammer have a lot of fun talking with former Predator player and now broadcaster Hal Gill. Skillsy discusses his 16 year playing career which included winning and losing in the Stanley Cup Final with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He chronicles his day with the Cup. Hal weighs in on how the game has changed over the years and the current state of this Predators team.

Darren McFarland and Kara Hammer have a great discussion with Scott Nichol who is the Predators Assistant General Manager and the GM of the Milwaukee Admirals. Scott talks about the young talent the Preds have in the pipeline and on the current roster. He also talks about beating Barry Trotz in a Game 7 of the finals when he was playing minor league hockey. Darren and Kara also check in with Preds Beat Reporter Emma Lingan up in Long Island before the Islanders game and discuss the overtime thrilling win over the New Jersey Devils.

Darren McFarland and Kara Hammer have a great discussion with Terry Crisp. He talks about winning two Stanley Cups as a player and winning the Cup as a head coach. He also talks about being the first ever head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning franchise and his role with Team Canada in the 1992 Winter Olympics. Terry also talks about what Smashville and the Predators organization has meant to him and his family over the years.Darren and Kara also check with Preds Beat Reporter Emma Lingan up in Detroit for the last road game of November.

Darren McFarland and Kara Hammer have a great discussion with 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist Scott Hamilton. He covers a lot of ground in this interview from his childhood, his battle with cancer, his relationship with the Predators and putting together Scott Hamilton & Friends. Be prepared to laugh, while being motivated. Darren and Kara also discuss the recent play of the Preds, including this winning streak at home. 

Darren McFarland and Kara Hammer chat with former Predators player and broadcaster and current NHL Network analyst Stu Grimson. He reveals to them his latest role in the longest running American animated series, The Simpsons.Darren and Kara also catch up with Preds Beat Reporter Emma Lingan in Colorado after Nashville's tough loss in Seattle and discuss  wrapping up their five-game road trip and coming home.

Darren McFarland and Kara Hammer find out how Paul McCann became the Public Address Announcer for the Nashville Predators in 2005. He takes them behind the curtain on all the goings-on that job entails. He'll leave you wanting to hear more stories.Darren and Kara also catch up with Emma Lingan in Vancouver and discuss Thursday night's win in Calgary and whats ahead on this long road trip. You'll also hear Emma talk with defenseman Jeremy Lauzon.

Darren McFarland sits down with Nashville Predators General Manager David Poile to discuss his 3,000 regular season games milestone, the relationship he had with his father Bud and his current relationship with son Brian. They also talk about the NHL Draft and Awards show coming to town in June 2023.Also, Darren and Kara Hammer talk about what Preds players Cody Glass and Cole Smith said on the Smashville Live radio show including the scary incident that took place behind the net in the Flyers game with Preds defenseman Mark Borowiecki.

Darren McFarland and Kara Hammer discuss David Poile's BIG NIGHT in Smashville celebrating 3,000 regular season games and becoming the first GM in NHL history to reach that milestone. They also weigh in on the Reverse Retro jersey.Also, Darren and Kara chat with former Preds goalie and now Broadcaster Chris Mason about the start to the season, back up goaltender Kevin Lankinen and Preds number one prospect Yaroslav Askarov.Preds Beat Reporter Emma Lingan sits down and chats with Nashville's forward Tanner Jeannot.

Darren McFarland and Kara Hammer discuss the Predators home opener against the Dallas Stars and look ahead to Saturday evening's rematch at the American Airlines Center.  Predators President & CEO Sean Henry joins the show to discuss the new season and the 2023 NHL Awards and Draft, which will both come to Nashville this spring. Then, hear from forward Michael McCarron and defenseman Dante Fabbro about the improvements to the team over the offseason and the mindset of the locker room at the start of a fresh season. 

Host Darren McFarland joins Kara Hammer in his debut Predators Official Podcast Debut to discuss the upcoming 2022-23 campaign, Nashville's Global Series trip and the new faces in Smashville this season.  Plus, Preds Broadcaster Willy Daunic joins the show to talk Global Series and Preds Senior Manager & Beat Reporter Emma Lingan interviews Nashville's new forward acquisition Nino Niederreiter.

All good things must come to an end. Brooks Bratten hosts his 174th and final episode of the Preds Official Podcast and says goodbye to the loyal listeners. Take a listen at what's to come for the Preds this offseason and hear from Predators President Sean Henry on the future of the franchise. Then, venture back to some favorite interview moments from the past four years and enjoy some bloopers before Brooks says farewell for the last time. 

The 2021-22 season has come to a close, and the time has come to unpack the campaign that was. Brooks Bratten and Kara Hammer air and discuss thoughts from Predators General Manager David Poile, as well as players Juuse Saros, Filip Forsberg, Mattias Ekholm and Roman Josi following the conclusion of Nashville's postseason run. Plus, Josi and Saros are nominated for NHL Awards and the offseason calendar is revealed with the summertime ahead. 

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are underway, and the Predators are headed home as the series shifts to Nashville. Brooks Bratten and Kara Hammer check in for a quick episode to discuss the first two games between the Preds and the Colorado Avalanche, including Connor Ingram's epic performance in Game 2. Hear from Ingram following the contest and learn what the Predators need to do as they head back to Tennessee for Games 3 and 4.

The 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs have arrived. The Predators are set to face the Colorado Avalanche in Round One of the postseason. Brooks Bratten and Kara Hammer preview the series from the Nashville perspective, and Avalanche broadcaster Conor McGahey joins the show to give some insight on the Avalanche. Plus, Brooks and Kara look back on the 2021-22 regular season and answer your Twitter questions ahead of the playoffs.

The final week of the regular season has arrived, and the Preds are ready to clinch their spot in the postseason. Predators forward Matt Duchene joins the show after becoming the first player in franchise history to record 40 goals in a single season. Plus, the Predators will head to Bern and Prague to begin the 2022-23 campaign. Brooks Bratten and Kara Hammer discuss all the latest developments and answer your Twitter questions.

The time to bid farewell to a legend has come. Predators broadcaster Terry Crisp - and his wife, Sheila - join the Preds Official Podcast to talk about their time in the game and their love for Nashville. Plus, the playoff race is tighter than ever, and the Predators are continuing their push toward the postseason. Brooks Bratten and Kara Hammer look at the standings and answer your questions with less than three weeks to go in the regular season. 

The month of April continues, and the Preds are back in the win column. Ryan Johansen's hat trick and Roman Josi's newest franchise record lead Nashville to four more points as they make their push to the playoffs. Preds defenseman Mark Borowiecki joins the show to discuss his return to Ottawa and becoming a father for the second time. Plus, Max Herz joins Brooks Bratten for an update on the Milwaukee Admirals and to answer the week's Twitter questions.

The final month of the regular season has arrived, and Nashville's playoff push continues. The Predators get back in the win column, and Tanner Jeannot has quite a week after becoming a father for the first time. Preds defenseman Jeremy Lauzon joins the show for his first interview after being acquired via trade and talks joining his new team.  Plus, Brooks Bratten and Kara Hammer answer your Twitter questions on April Fool's Day.

The 2022 NHL Trade Deadline has passed, and the stretch run is officially here. The Predators acquire defenseman Jeremy Lauzon at the Deadline and continue to negotiate a contract with Filip Forsberg. Head from Preds General Manager David Poile on those topics - plus, Predators Assistant Coach Dan Hinote joins the show for an entertaining interview. Finally, Brooks Bratten and Kara Hammer looks back at Nashville's recent games and answer listener questions. 

One of the busiest times of the year has arrived. The NHL Trade Deadline is quickly approaching, and Predators General Manager David Poile details how he feels about his club. The Preds have a record-breaking night in Philadelphia as the postseason push continues; plus, Predators Chief Operating Officer Michelle Kennedy joins the show for a fun interview to discuss her path to the NHL. Finally, Brooks Bratten and Kara Hammer revive their Josi for Norris campaign and answer listener questions. 

The Preds are in the midst of another massive week as the postseason push ramps up. Predators centerman Ryan Johansen joins the show to discuss his team's success, his pride for his brother, Lucas, and his love for his bulldog, Dozer. Plus, Brooks Bratten and Kara Hammer talk Nashville's three-game win streak and answer listener questions. 

The 2022 NHL Stadium Series has concluded, and the city of Nashville won the week. Take one final look back at the weekend and relive the best moments as the Preds and Lightning played in front of over 68,000 at Nissan Stadium. Plus, Predators Head Equipment Manager Pete Rogers joins the show to celebrate his 2,500th professional hockey game. Also, Max Herz (Producer Max) fills in for Kara Hammer and talks hockey with Brooks Bratten including your Twitter questions. 

No. 35 is now in the rafters. Pekka Rinne became the first player in Predators franchise history to have his jersey retired, and we have complete coverage on Episode 162. Hear from Rinne prior to the ceremony, and then relive the highlights of one of the best nights Nashville has ever seen. Plus, Brooks Bratten and Kara Hammer talk hockey with the Preds back in the win column, and the NHL Stadium Series has arrived.

The biggest week in Predators franchise history is just ahead. Preds President and CEO Sean Henry joins the show to discuss Pekka Rinne's upcoming jersey retirement and hosting the NHL Stadium Series in Nashville. Brooks Bratten and Kara Hammer preview what's to come in the days ahead, plus they discuss Mark Borowiecki's new contract and answer your questions.

The Predators are back to work following All-Star Weekend. Preds goaltender David Rittich joins the show to talk his first season in Nashville, watching the Olympics, pride for his younger brother and more. Plus, Brooks Bratten and Kara Hammer recap All-Star appearances for Roman Josi and Juuse Saros, look ahead to Bridgestone Winter Park and answer listener questions. 

NHL All-Star Weekend has arrived, and the Preds collect another win to start the month of February. Filip Forsberg and Juuse Saros continue to impress as Nashville reaches the 60-point mark. Saros and Roman Josi are set to represent their club in Las Vegas as All-Stars, plus NHL analyst A.J. Mleczko joins the show to talk Preds, NHL All-Star and winning Olympic Gold. Finally, Brooks Bratten and Kara Hammer answer listener questions. 

The month of January is coming to a close, and the Nashville Predators are back on track. After a four-game skid, the Preds have points in their last four outings. Brooks Bratten and Kara Hammer discuss the most recent successes and look ahead to a fresh February schedule. Plus, Predators Pro Scout Nick Vitucci joins the show to give his thoughts on having an award named after him and his collection of over 7,000 hockey pucks. Finally, Brooks and Kara answer your Twitter questions.

The Predators see their win streak come to a close, but there is still much to gain. Brooks Bratten and Kara Hammer look back at Nashville's contests with Colorado and Buffalo while discussing the lessons learned as the season continues. Preds goaltender Juuse Saros is named an NHL All-Star, Roman Josi might be - plus, the NHL's Chief Content Officer Steve Mayer joins the show to discuss the upcoming Stadium Series game in Nashville. Finally, Brooks and Kara answer your questions from the week. 

The new year has arrived, and 2022 is off to an excellent start for the Predators. Filip Forsberg joins the show to discuss his team's success, his offseason engagement and so much more. Plus, Brooks Bratten and Kara Hammer look back at recent wins and start the campaign - Tanner Jeannot for Calder as the NHL's top rookie. Also, your Twitter questions are answered on this first episode of 2022. 

The final episode of the year has arrived, and the Predators are on a "heater" as they head into the holiday break. Nashville's seven-game win streak leads into a pause from the NHL, and the Milwaukee Admirals helped to get the job done. Admirals Assistant Coach Scott Ford joins the show to discuss his surreal 72-hour stretch with the Preds. Plus, Brooks Bratten and Kara Hammer look back at the year that was and look ahead to 2022 on Episode 155 of the PoP.

The Preds are out east, and they're collecting points once more. Eeli Tolvanen can't stop tipping pucks into the twine, Yakov Trenin embodies Nashville's identity and the Predators are staying in the thick of the Central Division. Preds Defense Development Coach Rob Scuderi stops by to discuss his role and how he helps the next generation of blueliners carve out a career. Plus, Brooks Bratten and Kara Hammer look back on the career of a Predators mainstay and answer your Twitter questions. 

The holiday season has arrived, and Mikael Granlund is in the giving spirit. The Preds centerman dished out an assist on each one of Filip Forsberg's four goals this week during a record-setting performance. Granlund joins the show to discuss the apples, Pekka Rinne and Christmastime. Plus, Brooks Bratten and Kara Hammer round up the last two weeks and offer another giveaway. 

The 2021 Thanksgiving episode is here with a healthy dose of hockey and food talk. Predators Forward Development Coach Sebastien Bordeleau joins the show as the Preds make their way through Toronto and Montreal, while Brooks Bratten and Kara Hammer discuss Matt Duchene's hot start and their favorite Thanksgiving side dishes and desserts. Plus, listen for your chance to win a pair of Preds tickets during the Thanksgiving homestand at Bridgestone Arena. 

The Predators return home from one of the most successful road trips in franchise history. How did they claim nine out of a possible 12 points on their six-game excursion? Brooks Bratten and Kara Hammer break it down - plus, Preds Assistant Athletic Trainer Doug Agnew joins the show as he works his 2,500th professional hockey game. Also, Veterans Day, Hockey Fights Cancer and Twitter questions on Episode 151 of the pod. 

Episode 150 of the Preds Official Podcast is here, and we're celebrating two of Nashville's best. Hear from former goaltender Pekka Rinne as the Predators get set to retire his No. 35. Plus, Preds broadcaster Terry Crisp joins the show as he begins his farewell tour ahead of retirement at the end of the season.  Additionally, Brooks Bratten and Kara Hammer discuss the start to Nashville's six-game road trip. 

The annual Halloween show is here, and Nashville's power play is scary good. What's led to the success, and how have the Predators put together their first win streak of the season? Preds Strength and Conditioning Coach David Good joins the show to discuss his behind-the-scenes roll with the team - plus, Brooks Bratten and Kara Hammer discuss Connor Ingram's first NHL win and answer your Twitter questions. 

The Predators conclude their first homestand of the season as the 2021-22 campaign truly gets underway. Preds Head Coach John Hynes joins the show to talk coaching, settling in Nashville, family life and more; plus, Brooks Bratten and Pete Weber discuss the recent NHL Stadium Series press conference in Nashville and announce another Preds ticket giveaway - listen to learn how to enter and win! 

The 2021-22 season has officially arrived, and the Predators got it started against the Seattle Kraken. Brooks Bratten and Kara Hammer look back on Opening Night and how the club fared to begin the campaign. Plus, defenseman Mattias Ekholm joins the show (18:05) after he signs a four-year contract to remain in Nashville, and the blueliner discusses how the deal came together and why he loves to play and live in the Music City.  

The 2021-22 NHL season is almost here, and Opening Night is less than one week away. The Predators have reached the conclusion of Training Camp, and there are some tough roster decisions to make. Brooks Bratten and Kara Hammer discuss, plus NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman joins the show (17:24) to talk all things Preds. Plus, listen to see how you can win tickets to see the Predators host Seattle at Bridgestone Arena on Opening Night! 

October is here, and the 2021-22 regular season is inching closer. Predators goaltender Juuse Saros makes his debut appearance on the show and tells his summer engagement story and talks about his friendship with Pekka Rinne. Plus, Brooks Bratten and Kara Hammer discuss Nashville's preseason games, what's been learned at Training Camp so far and answer listener questions. 

The Predators have reported to Training Camp, and excitement is plentiful. Preds Captain Roman Josi joins the show to talk camp, his anticipation for the season and his expert drawing skills. Plus, Brooks Bratten and Kara Hammer look ahead to main Training Camp, look back on Preds Rookie Camp and answer listener questions. 

Hockey is back, and Predators Rookie Camp is underway. Preds prospect Luke Prokop joins the show to discuss coming out as a gay athlete and the amazing support he's felt in Nashville and beyond. Plus, Milwaukee Admirals Head Coach Karl Taylor joins Brooks Bratten and Kara Hammer to chat about Rookie Camp and what's next for Nashville's top prospects. 

The offseason has come to a close, and hockey is on the horizon. Predators General Manager David Poile discusses the team's moves over the past three months and looks ahead to the 2021-22 campaign. Guest co-host Kara Hammer joins Brooks Bratten to talk Nashville's offseason - including a new deal for Eeli Tolvanen - and answer listener questions as the Preds Official Podcast returns. 

The final episode of the offseason is here, and Juuse Saros is signed. Nashville's goaltender agrees to a four-year, $20 million contract and looks back on Pekka Rinne's influence on his career. Also, Preds prospect Philip Tomasino joins the show as Development Camp concludes. Brooks Bratten and Chris Mason discuss it all, plus they answer some listener questions.

For the first time in two years, the Predators are set to host Development Camp once more. Brooks Bratten and Pete Weber are joined by Preds Assistant General Manager and Director of Scouting Jeff Kealty to discuss Nashville's top prospects and how the Predators were able to make two picks in the first round of the 2021 NHL Draft. Plus, offseason tidbits on Luke Prokop and Tanner Jeannot, and Pete answers your Twitter questions.